The Circle of Life

“Back in the day” many of us could claim one relative or another as a farmer. I remember every summer vacation we would spend time 'down on the farm'. The memories of times spent helping milk cows, collecting eggs from the chickens, or bottle feeding the baby calves are never forgotten, and the lessons learned, still with me. A sunny day helping stack hay bales in the hay loft. Hot, sunburned, sweaty and dusty, but what a sense of accomplishment! Then I remember the feeling of responsibility I felt being sent to dip a pitcher into icy cold milk in the refrigerated milk tank and delivering it proudly to the dinner table. In those days, and I date myself here, we did not worry about the purity of truly fresh milk, but then, in those wonderful summers of yester-year, hormones and antibiotics were the last things on our minds.

Today's kids are innocent of those wonderful summers and opportunities on the farm. Sadly and increasingly, small family farms are slowly disappearing, the increasing cost of staying in business has meant that it is difficult to support and keep the next generation on the farm. The costly expansions that would need to take place are simply not affordable. Another factor is encroaching neighbors. Some people move from the 'city' to be in the country, but the reality of the local farmer spreading manure on his fields to naturally fertilize his ground does not blend well with an evening BBQ; or the big combines running late into the night with their big alien-like lights are considered disturbing. So much for moving out to the country!

I digress. And so, it is necessary for the next generation to find work away from the farm. Once the younger generation leaves the farm they are seldom to return. Financial realities and immersion into a different culture changes their cycle of life, almost like a cell splitting away. Sadly, after the last standing farmer passes on, the property is usually sold to developers, and there you have it, a new sub division. The original cell is irretrievably lost.

Thankfully, there are still opportunities for kids to spend a little time on the farm. There are many small 'petting farms' and working farms geared just for this purpose. While some kids may not initially feel that driving into the country is anything to get too excited about, (unless of course they are small enough to 'catch' our enthusiasm!) very often, the same charms that won me over, will make a lasting impression on them. And how could it not, the true, rich aroma of the farm, feeding a newborn calf its bottle, and squirting milk out of a friendly, brown eyed cow must have a way of bringing them back 'down on the farm'!

And so, a new generation has memories of the farm. The visit may have been brief, but the memory indelible. Sometimes a young Mom or Dad approach me with their young children, they smile shyly, and tell me about their trip to the farm, a kinship is felt, and I truly wish I could remember their names and then bring them back into the fold. They never forgot that day on the farm, the memories so precious they want to share with their own children. The circle of life is complete.

There are many ways to support and reap the benefits of locally produced fruits, veggies, dairy products, meat and poultry. Local farm markets are a good start, also becoming part of your local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).

Nicola Noble lives in Maybee, Michigan with her husband, a farmer, and 4 German Shepherds. Her involvement in farming dates back to the 1960's in Ireland, and she has continued that journey at Calder Dairy and Farms since 1994. Please feel free to contact her at 734.654.2622. You may also visit the farm at www.calderdairy.com